Day 3 – Negombo – 1st Match vs SSC, SSC Test Ground, Colombo

Hoping to feed off the back of Sri Lanka’s victory in the Twenty 20 final the previous evening, Mill Hill travelled to the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) test ground Colombo for their first match.

 

Although the pool looked really inviting a chance to play on the number one Test ground in the country proved too great. All the boys immediately settled into the away dressing room with their individual seats/lockers. Having lost the toss, the boys were soon fielding in temperatures of around 32 degrees. 

All the boys were involved throughout the thirty overs whether it was fielding or bowling and after a rusty start settled into a good rhythm and enjoyed the cool breeze. Although the well-honed academy players played well Mill Hill stuck to their task and reduced the opposition to only 217 for 7 off 30 overs. Good performances from Charlie Plummer 1-15, Ethan Bamber 1-30 and Jamie Davies 3 overs for 20 runs. 

Lunch in the changing room allowed Mill Hill to refuel and were soon to launch the counter-attack. Ethan Bamber and Lucca Cicarale put 44 for the first wicket. Great supporting roles from Henry Webster (36) and Cambell Castagna (40 not out) put the team within striking distance of the target. Although great running towards the end with Ben Scott helping Cambell, we fell short and ended on 182-5. A truly fantastic effort from all concerned. All of us teachers were really impressed with the way the boys coped with the adverse conditions. 

After a quick presentation we went to the Cricket Club Café for milkshakes followed by a quick trip to a Cricket shop where an Old Millhillian gave the boys a Sri Lankan cricket shirt.

We all feel that the boys have really gelled today and couldn’t stop talking about the game over dinner. Off to see some elephants tomorrow on our way to Kandy!